Peppercorns contain numerous plant chemicals that exhibit effects in the human body. Piperine is the primary bioactive compound in black pepper, responsible for most of its physiological effects.

This supplement is used to support weight loss, as an anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory, to stimulate digestion and for joint health.

Piperine is most commonly used in dietary supplements to increase the absorption of other active ingredients from the gastrointestinal tract. It inhibits enzymes that break down nutritional substances and stimulates transporters that line the intestines.

This ingredient is commonly combined with curcumin (turmeric) to increase the bioavailability of this compound. Piperine has been shown to increase curcumin’s bioavailability by two thousand percent. [1]

This article will discuss how piperine extract works in the body, common uses, health benefits, effects on curcumin absorption, supplement information, safety and side effects, and possible interactions with drugs and other supplements.

Black Pepper Plant Description

The black pepper plant is called Piper nigrum in botany. According to Kew Science this plant is a climbing plant from the Piperaceae family that can grow up to 10 feet or more in length. [2]

Black pepper plants establish adventitious roots off their main stem which can attach to surroundings and provide support. Many separate shoots grow off of the main stem to form a bushy column.

Theses plants have flowering stalks known as “spikes.” Each spike produces 50-150 small white-yellow-green flowers. The fruit of pepper plants are small, round, and berry-like, and grow in clusters. About 50-60 fruits develop on each spike.

Piper nigrum fruits, called peppercorns, grow to about 6 mm in diameter. They are green when immature, and turn progressively red while ripening. [2]

Green peppercorns are harvested when immature. Black peppercorns are harvested when nearly ripe, and then sun dried to turn the outer protective layer black. [2]

White peppercorns are mature peppercorns that have had their outer shells removed. Only the inner white seed remains. [2]

Piper nigrum is indigenous to India and some other tropical countries in Asia. Its peppercorns are used as one of the most popular worldwide culinary spices. [1]

Black peppercorns have also been used in Siddha, Unani, and Ayurvedic traditional medicines for thousands of years. It is most commonly used for aiding digestion and some digestive issues such as constipation, diarrhea, and indigestion. [2]

It has also been used traditionally for coughs, colds, breathing issues, sore throat, and toothache. It is also sometimes used externally for skin diseases. [2]

How Piperine Extract Works in the Body

Piperine is the primary bioactive chemical in black peppercorns. It is a naturally occurring alkaloid compound that gives pepper its biting taste and pungency.

This extract has demonstrated a wide range of effects in in vitro (cultured cell) and animal studies including antidiabetic, antiobesity, anticancer, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and various other properties.

Clinical research in humans is limited. This supplement is primarily used for its ability to enhance absorption of numerous other compounds including various drugs and supplements. [1]

Piperine extract works by inhibiting or completely suppressing the breakdown of certain drugs and supplements, or by increasing their absorption, or a combination of both. [4, 5]

Piperine stops the liver from attaching glucuronide molecules to certain drugs to mark them for urinary or fecal excretion. This process is called glucuronidation. [3]

Glucuronidation of drugs is a protective mechanism to keep toxic substances from building up in the body. However, sometimes, glucuronidation stops beneficial compounds from being assimilated and utilized. [3, 4]

Using piperine extract helps slow down the excretion of some supplements and drugs. This can help those substances to remain in the body longer, travel through the circulatory system, and cause effects in the body. [4]

Piperine extract increases absorption and bioavailability of many substances. For example, in one clinical research study it was seen to increase coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) absorption by 30% [6].

In another study in humans, administration of this supplement together with curcumin increased its bioavailability by as much as two thousand percent over bioavailability of curcumin administered alone. [7]

This extract is believed to speed up some metabolic processes and thereby increase nutrient transportation in the bloodstream and absorption. [3]

It may also work by stimulating amino acid transporters found in the intestinal lining. These transporters are responsible for taking up nutrients consumed in foods and transporting them through the wall of the gastrointestinal tract into the circulatory system.

There is some evidence that this supplement can favorably stimulate the activity of digestive enzymes from the pancreas, which may aid digestion and reduce gastrointestinal food transit time.

Effects and Mechanisms

In addition to its ability to increase bioavailability of other active substances, piperine exhibits several mechanisms of action independent of administering other compounds.

Black pepper extract has thermogenic effects meaning it might increase the generation of heat within the body. This can be beneficial for stimulating metabolism and may support weight loss. [3]

Various studies have examined the effects of this extract for relieving pain, reducing swelling and redness, improving cognition, and treating symptoms of arthritis. [3]

The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) reports that piperine has demonstrated a range of effects in in vitro and animal studies. These include analgesic, anti-amoebic, anti-asthma, antibacterial, antidepressant, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. [1]

According to one research review, “Black pepper or piperine treatment has also been evidenced to lower lipid peroxidation in vivo and beneficially influence cellular thiol status, antioxidant molecules and antioxidant enzymes in a number of experimental situations of oxidative stress.” [9]

At this time clinical research in humans is limited and most of these effects have not been studied yet in people.

Piperine Extract and Curcumin

Turmeric supplements commonly contain a brand-name form of piperine called Bioperine. This combination is synergistic because piperine enhances the bioavailability of curcumin, the primary active constituent of turmeric.

While curcumin is associated with numerous health benefits, it has very poor bioavailability if taken on its own.

Bioavailability refers to the amount of a substance that enters the bloodstream after being introduced to the body. This is the amount that is able to induce pharmacological effects.

Piperine extract is considered a “bioenhancer,” meaning it increases the bioavailability of some other substances.

In one research study, patients were given a dosage of 2 g curcumin alone, or 2 g curcumin together with 20 mg of piperine. It was observed that serum (blood) levels of curcumin in the alone group were very low or even undetectable in different participants.

In the group given curcumin and piperine together, much higher serum concentrations were seen, and the increase in bioavailability was determined to be 2000%.

The researchers concluded that in the dosages used, piperine significantly increased serum concentration, bioavailability, and the extent of absorption of curcumin with no observed negative effects. [7]

In addition to increasing bioavailability, piperine also decreases the metabolism of curcumin by inhibiting the process of glucuronidation, and by affecting intestinal transit times. This allows curcumin to remain in the body longer and be absorbed more. [3]

Curcumin bioavailability is also significantly increased by taking it along with a source of healthy fat such as coconut oil, avocado, or wild-caught salmon.

Liposomal forms of turmeric supplements will sometimes contain both bioperine and curcumin in a fatty-acid solution to increase absorption from the gut.

Uses for Piperine Extract

The NMCD reports that people take black pepper and piperine extract supplements orally for a variety of uses including:

The NMCD states that people also use this extract orally for vertigo (dizzy, whirling sensation), vitiligo (white skin patches), weight loss, and cancer. [1]

Some people use black pepper extract topically for scabies (contagious skin disease), neuralgia (nerve pain), and measles (infectious viral disease). Like cayenne pepper, black pepper is also used on the skin as a counterirritant for pain. [1]

Piperine Extract Health Benefits

At this time the data from clinical research studies on piperine is limited. Results from various trials have shown beneficial effects and research is ongoing to learn how this plant extract impacts human health.

The primary health benefit of black pepper extract is that it enhances the absorption of some substances inside the intestines and/or blocks the breakdown and elimination of these compounds. [4, 6, 7]

As mentioned previously, piperine has been seen to increase the bioavailability and absorption of curcumin and CoQ10. In one study, patients were given 90 mg or 120 mg CoQ10 and either a placebo or piperine for 14 or 21 days.

It was seen that after 21 days supplementation with 120 mg of CoQ10 and piperine had a statistically significant increase (approximately 30%) in plasma concentration of CoQ10 compared to the placebo group. [6]

As described earlier, one study found that administering piperine and curcumin together resulted in a 2000% increase in bioavailability of the curcumin. [7]

Many people use this extract to enhance the effects of brain-boosting supplements like Noopept, various Racetams, and Modafinil. Research is needed to know if piperine can enhance absorption of these and other nootropics.

Many health experts believe that piperine extract may also have positive effects on malnutrition or nutrient malabsorption, and research is ongoing in this area. [8]

Most of the therapeutic effects have only been observed in in vitro and animal research studies. It is not yet known if these benefits will translate to humans.

More clinical research is needed to determine if it has the same effects in humans as seen in in vitro and animal studies and to determine the therapeutic efficacy for any medical conditions.

Piperine is available as a dietary supplement and the FDA has not approved it as a drug to prevent or treat any health conditions.

If you are interested in taking a piperine supplement it is recommended that you speak with your doctor for more information before beginning usage.

Piperine Extract for Cancer

Peppercorns demonstrate anticancer effects in cell and animal studies. [1] However, it is too early to determine whether this supplement can reduce cancer risk in humans.

In animal studies, piperine inhibited the formation of tumor nodules, and reduced:

The NMCD reports various potential mechanisms of action for the anticancer effects noted in in vitro and animal studies. Some of these include:

Altering mitochondrial enzyme activity

Decreasing DNA damage

Enhancing detoxification enzymes

Increasing glutathione-metabolizing enzymes

Lowering protein-bound carbohydrate levels

Reducing lipid peroxidation

Because of these promising results, there is a great degree of scientific interest in studying what effects piperine may have on cancer in humans. Various clinical trials are in preliminary stages studying this to try and determine the therapeutic efficacy.

Piperine Supplements

The NMCD states there are more than 2500 supplements on the market that contain black pepper or piperine extract as single ingredients or in combination with other compounds. [1]

Supplements are available from many sources most commonly as tablets or capsules, and sometimes as bulk powder.

Piperine is available in single ingredient formulations as well as combination products with other supplements, most commonly curcumin. Some combinations with CoQ10 are available as well.

Either as a single ingredient or in combination supplement, piperine extract is typically available in 10 mg per dosage.

One of the most common trademarked versions is called BioPerine. It is produced by Sabinsa Corporation. Various supplement manufacturers have bought the licensing rights and provide BioPerine as their source of black pepper extract.

Because there is a variety of products available, it is recommended to look for high-quality supplements from trusted manufacturers.

Store your supplements according to label directions out of exposure to light, heat, and air.

Piperine Extract Dosage

Note that piperine is a potent supplement that can induce a broad range of effects.

Doses as low as 10 mg/day are believed to affect the metabolism and absorption of numerous supplements and drugs.

Because of this, it is advised to use this supplement cautiously, especially if you have been diagnosed with a medical condition or are currently taking prescription drugs.

Many health experts recommend beginning with doses between 5-10 mg per day. Only increase dosages gradually as needed.

It is best to seek medical advice about the optimal dose of black pepper, or a piperine extract for you.

Piperine Extract Safety and Side Effects

The Natural Medicines Database rates black pepper as Likely Safe when used orally in amounts found in food. Both white and black pepper have been given Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) status by the FDA. [1]

Black pepper is rated as Possibly Safe when used orally and appropriately in medicinal amounts.

Piperine is generally well tolerated when taken at appropriate dosages. It may cause some gastrointestinal side effects and potentially bleeding at high dosages.

Drug and Supplement Interactions

Piperine is known to increase the absorption and bioavailability of other substances. This can be good, like in the case of curcumin and some drugs with poor absorption.

However, it can also be dangerous in the case of some drugs because it may elevate concentrations to unhealthy levels.

The NMCD states that piperine extract can inhibit cytochrome P450 CYP1A1, CYP2B1, CYP2D6, and CYP3A4 substrate drugs. This can affect the metabolism and bioavailability of hundreds of drugs.

It may interact with herbs and supplements that have anticoagulant/antiplatelet effects or blood sugar lowering potential, such as rhodiola rosea and sparteine.

Starting to use a piperine extract supplement might increase side effects of drugs and supplements already being used. It is important to discuss this supplement with your doctor beforehand if you take any prescription medications.

Speak with your doctor first before beginning to use this product if you have any type of bleeding disorder. This supplement might affect blood platelet aggregation, and increase risks for bleeding and bruising.

Piperine extracts might also affect blood glucose levels. Use extra caution with this supplement if you have diabetes. Check your glucose levels often and watch for any adverse effects developing.

Because of the possible effects on blood glucose levels and clotting activity, you should discontinue using black pepper supplements at least 2 weeks before scheduled surgeries.

OVERVIEW:Black peppercorns come from the Piper nigrum plant, a flowering vine. The unripe fruit of this plant is cooked and dried to make black pepper, which is commonly used as a seasoning, as well as medicinally. Black pepper extract is also known as piperine and sold under the proprietary brand name Bioperine.

MECHANISM: The primary active compound in black pepper extract is piperine, which has been seen in animal studies to have anti-inflammatory effects, antioxidant properties, anti-cancer effects (reduced tumor growth), and gastrointestinal effects.

DOSAGE: 20 mg of bioactive piperine has been used in dietary supplements.

SIDE EFFECTS: Rated as Likely Safe when used in food amounts, and Possibly Safe when used orally or topically and appropriately in medicinal amounts. Generally well tolerated, but ingestion may cause indigestion and other gastrointestinal adverse effects.

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